Realizing something is wrong in your mouth can be unsettling, especially since it's challenging to examine the issue yourself. As a non-dentist, determining whether the problem requires emergency dental care or can be managed with at-home remedies can be confusing. While you may be able to temporarily alleviate symptoms with first aid, calling your dentist promptly for guidance is often the safest approach when oral issues arise.
1. You fell and hurt your mouth.
If you are over 10 years old and have all your permanent teeth, you should not normally have loose teeth. However, if you have experienced trauma from a fall or accident that has loosened one or more teeth, call your dentist right away. You may also need to go to the emergency room, especially if the trauma involved a fall. Contact your dentist while en route to the ER, explain what happened, and ask if they can meet you there to examine your teeth and jaw, as jaw fractures can be overlooked in the ER.
2. A tooth was knocked out of your mouth.Â
If a tooth gets knocked out, avoid touching the roots. Gently pick it up by the chewing surface and try to gently put it back in its socket, with the correct orientation. If that's not possible, put the tooth in milk to keep it moist. As a last resort, hold it between your teeth and gums. Contact your dentist right away, as reimplantation should occur within 30 minutes.
3. You are experiencing tooth pain.Â
Common dental emergencies often cause some degree of pain or discomfort. The severity of the pain and discomfort indicates how urgently you should address the issue. Biting pain could signal a cracked tooth or result from teeth grinding. However, it may also indicate an abscess. For mild pain, take Tylenol to reduce swelling and apply an ice pack to numb the area. You should see your dentist within a week to have the tooth examined. If you suspect a cracked tooth, avoid chewing on it until your dentist appointment. Extreme pain requires an immediate call to your dentist or a visit to the emergency room.
4. You think you have a dental infection.Â
If you suspect a dental infection, call your dentist right away, as infections will not resolve on their own and signal a serious health issue. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol to help ease the discomfort while waiting for professional treatment.
5. You are experiencing tooth sensitivity.Â
Some people are sensitive to extreme temperatures when eating or drinking. They may feel sudden, intense sensations from biting into an icy dessert or sipping a hot beverage. Though not an emergency, this tooth sensitivity should be evaluated promptly to rule out serious causes. In the meantime, over-the-counter desensitizing toothpastes can provide relief.
6. You are experiencing pain due to a mouth sore.Â
There are several common dental emergencies that present as mouth sores, including canker sores, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and gum disease. While not life-threatening, these painful sores can significantly impact quality of life. If experiencing a mouth sore, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and use hydrogen peroxide as a natural antibacterial mouthwash - just don't swallow it. See your dentist promptly if the sore persists or worsens, as professional treatment may be required. With proper care, most mouth sores will heal within a couple weeks.
7. You have abscessed gums.
A gum abscess may appear harmless at first glance, resembling an innocuous pimple on the gumline. However, this common dental emergency signals a serious infection in the tooth or gums. While the abscess can initially present as a yellow, red, clear, or whitish bump on the gum, it requires urgent care. Resist any temptation to pop it, as you would a pimple, and continue brushing and flossing the area until you can see your dentist. They will likely recommend a root canal or tooth extraction to treat the infection. Calling your dentist promptly when you notice a gum abscess is crucial.
8. You have a broken tooth.Â
If your tooth is only slightly chipped, schedule a dentist appointment at your convenience. However, a large break or severe pain requires contacting your dentist immediately, since the extent of damage determines the urgency. While a broken tooth is rarely life-threatening, it can be quite annoying. Getting it examined promptly allows your dentist to assess the damage and recommend appropriate treatment.
9. Your mouth is bleeding.Â
Bleeding in your mouth is a concerning sign that requires attention. Blood on your dental floss may indicate early gum disease or gingivitis. Although not an emergency, it should be evaluated promptly to prevent further issues. However, blood in your saliva could signal advanced cancer or severe gum disease. Bleeding from the mouth is abnormal. Persistent bleeding after a tooth extraction needs immediate care. Keep your head elevated and contact your dentist right away if bleeding does not stop.
10. You are experiencing swelling.Â
Swollen gums or cheeks are a common dental emergency, but they are never a good sign. Swelling often signals a serious infection that requires prompt treatment. Do not wait for swelling to subside on its own, as it likely will not. Instead, contact your dentist immediately if you experience any swelling. Until you can see your dentist, remain upright rather than lying down. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is also recommended. Getting professional care quickly is crucial when dealing with dental swelling.
Practice good dental hygiene.Â
Unlike sharks, whose teeth are continuously replaced, our teeth are permanent and irreplaceable. Maintaining good oral health through proper nutrition, hydration, and hygiene is essential. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, and remember to floss as well.